The Today Show has had its share of anchors, especially in recent years. But one mainstay is co-anchor, weatherman and feature reporter Al Roker, who has been a part of the morning show’s team for over 20 years, according to Today.com. Some of his co-hosts on 3rd Hour of Today recently spoke about Roker and how he’s remained a fan favorite for so long.
A peaceful presence
Part of the team on the program’s third hour, Roker shares the desk with Dylan Dryer, Sheinelle Jones, and Craig Melvin, who all sing Roker’s praises.
“I find the most wisdom in emulating someone and I think even if I come to [Al] with concern or I’m worried about something, or something is stressing me out – [Al] shrugs his shoulders and just says ‘It’s fine. It’s going to be fine. It’s going to work out and it’s going to be fine,’” Dreyer told People of Roker.
Dreyer said the co-host can help her get perspective at times. “I think for someone like him who has been in this business for so long and has seen it all – it’s reassuring,” she said of Roker. “We sometimes get wrapped up in these moments – there is so much happening in the world where you think everything is just so big and it’s not.”
Leading by example
Jones looks to Roker as setting the tone for the team and the show, and tries to follow his lead. “He leads by example and I’m not saying that to sound cheesy, but I have never heard a negative word about Al Roker anywhere. Not a negative mumbling – nothing. In this building – Al is Al,” Jones told People.
Also noting Roker’s demeanor, Jones admires Roker’s authenticity. “And because he’s so calm and because he’s so measured, it’s genuine,” Jones said. “And when it’s time to be serious or he has something to say – people listen. He doesn’t overuse his influence. I’ve learned by watching you, Al.”
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Roker also helps out his co-hosts when the cameras are off. Jones also recalled a time when Roker, a parent of three children, helped her with taking her three young kids to Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. “It was insane. I got to the airport and I was like ‘What was I thinking?’ So Uncle Al stepped in and my kids still love him,” Jones said, adding, “And he was so calm.”
One little word can be great advice
Melvin shared a simple piece of advice Roker had given him, saying it was the best he’s received from his co-host. “Start with no. It’s the best advice. And I actually use that and quote it in passing,” Melvin said.
Roker elaborated on why he shared that nugget of advice. “The power of ‘no’ is an amazing thing. And don’t give an explanation,” he explained. “Just say no. You can always go to yes, but if you start with yes, then you’re dead. So, start with no. Especially when it comes to doing stuff that is not important – things that take you away from your kids – start with no.”
Melvin has also previously spoken of how Roker made him feel welcome when he first started at Today. “Al was the very first person who sort of put his arms around me when I started appearing on this show,” Melvin said, according to Today.com. “The Al Roker you get on TV is the same Al Roker you get when the camera is off.”
According to Today.com, Roker started at NBC Cleveland affiliate WKYC in 1978, then headed to WNBC in New York. He joined the Today Show in 1996, and celebrated 40 years with NBC last December.
“From the moment I stepped foot in WKYC in Cleveland to getting a job at WNBC, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven because my parents could actually turn on the TV and see me, to being here with all of you, it’s been an amazing ride,” Roker said at his celebration.
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